Bioavailability of controlled-release metoclopramide. 2nd communication: multiple dose study

The bioavailability of metoclopramide monochloride hydrate after oral multidose administration of controlled-release metoclopramide capsules (Gastro-Timelets) was compared with that of oral metoclopramide monochloride hydrate solution in 10 healthy men. 30 mg of each product was administered to each subject in a cross-over fashion for 5 consecutive days and the plasma metoclopramide concentration was measured using a HPLC assay. Peak plasma metoclopramide levels were lower, and occurred later after controlled-release capsules administration than after solution. The graphs representing plasma metoclopramide levels after controlled-release formulation were smooth and devoid of sharp peaks and troughs. The area under the plasma metoclopramide level-time curve (AUC) values showed that the products were bioequivalent with the mean AUC values for the capsule (0-24 h) 837.9 ng/h/ml and (120-150 h) 993.2 ng/h/ml; and for the solution (0-24 h) 878.8 ng/h/ml and (120-150 h) 1054.0 ng/h/ml.